Though your stomach can't break down a piece of gum the same way it breaks down other food, your digestive system canmove it along through normal intestinal activity. In other words, it comes out the other end when you have a bowel movement (poop). When Is Swallowed Gum a Problem? Almost everyone has swallowed a piece of gum, but few kids have ever needed a doctor because of it. You might have heard that swallowed gum stays in your stomach for 7 years. That's not true. If you suspect that your dog may have consumed sugar-free gum or any other product containing xylitol, immediately call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680).

Gum used to come from tree resin. These days, though, chewing gum is made of a substance called gum base, which is largely synthetic — not made from any real food ingredients. Gum base is non-nutritive, which means it doesn’t provide any nutritional value, and is nondigestible, which means your body can’t break it down like it does other foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics says the occasional piece of gum is OK for children ages 5 and up — just be sure that before giving gum to your child, they understand that it’s not something they should swallow. It’s best to spit it out

The Dangers of Xylitol

Swallowing one piece of gum probably won’t hurt you, but beyond that, be careful. Czerwony says swallowing a lot of gum in a short period of time — say, one piece a day for a week, or a mega-wad consisting of four pieces of gum at a time — can put your digestive systemin danger. Why is xylitol so toxic to dogs? Xylitol ingestion causes a massive insulin release. The most common effect of xylitol poisoning in dogs is a precipitous drop in blood sugar, which can lead to loss of consciousness and seizures. Too much of anything can be a problem. Chewing gum is hard on dental work and most gums that are not sugar free can cause cavities. Sugar-free gum sweetened with sorbitol also can be a problem because it can cause diarrhea. Cinnamon-flavored gums of any kind may irritate the mouth lining. They can be hot and spicy in your mouth, as you probably know. But now what?! Rumors say gum stays in your stomach undigested for up to seven years. Registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, LD, debunks this claim and explains what really happens when a piece of gum makes its way into your insides. Is it bad to swallow gum?

Dogs certainly have a sweet tooth, and some will gluttonously go for any sweets they can find. That’s why it’s so important to dog-proof your house and ensure that your dog can’t get into potentially harmful foods and products, such as xylitol-containing gum and candy. You’ll also need to keep an eye out for any gum your dog might sneak out of purses, from the trash can, in the car, or off the ground. And make sure any peanut butter you give your dog is xylitol-free and dog-safe. Kids shouldn't chew gum until they fully understand the importance of not swallowing it. By age 5, most children will understand that gum is different than candy and is not to be swallowed. If you’ve swallowed a piece of gum, it’ll come out about 40 hours later in your stool,” Czerwony assures. “Because it can’t be digested, it comes right out whole.” Most dog owners are aware of how dangerous chocolate can be for dogs. But you may not know that sugar-free gum, which contains xylitol, is just as dangerous. What Is Xylitol?Some dogs have developed severe liver damage after xylitol ingestion. Signs of poisoning can develop in as little as 30 minutes to one hour. Dogs are the only domestic species in which a toxic reaction to xylitol has been seen. But apart from these strange scenarios, swallowing an occasional piece of gum is harmless. What Exactly Happens to the Gum? Gum base isn’t able to be digested, so it just stays in your guts all the way through and doesn’t break down,” Czerwony explains. Does gum stay in your stomach for seven years?

Little kids are most likely to be affected because they might not understand that gum is chewed, not swallowed. Swallowing one piece of gum every now and then isn’t likely to do any harm. But you shouldn’t make a habit of swallowing your gum on a regular basis, as it has the potential to do some damage. That sounds alarming, but it’s actually not that unusual to swallow things your body can’t digest. Raw seeds, kernels of corn and the skin of bell peppers are just a few common foods that typically pass through your digestive system relatively untouched. Xylitol is a low-calorie sugar substitute used to improve the taste of products that don’t contain sugar. You can find it in gum and candy, peanut butter, and sugar-free baked goods. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, calls about xylitol pet poisonings increased by 108% between 2015 and 2020. In 2020, the number of calls to the helpline concerning xylitol poisoning was second only to chocolate poisoning calls.Xylitol toxicosis can occur in dogs after ingestion of xylitol or xylitol-containing products. Profound hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is the most common clinical effect, which may result in vomiting, weakness, depression, hypokalemia (extremely low potassium levels), seizures, and/or a coma. At this time, there is no antidote for xylitol toxicity. Your veterinarian will usually monitor your dog for at least 12 hours for blood sugar levels and liver function, and if the dog’s blood sugar remains too low, they may require treatment for 1 to 2 two days with an IV glucose solution. Prevention